News

University of Kentucky Hospital Extends Partnership

Wednesday, April 18, 2001

Kentucky Speedway™ and the University of Kentucky have extended their partnership through 2003. The UK Hospital will be recognized as the "Official Medical Provider of Kentucky Speedway." UK will continue to provide air medical services and emergency care to assist race competitors, pit crews and fans should a medical emergency arise during events. On-site coverage will include emergency physicians, nurses and technicians as well as a fully equipped Sikorsky helicopter with two pilots and an experienced flight nurse/flight paramedic team.

"We are delighted to work out a new agreement with UK. They have a terrific staff with outstanding services. In this sport, we have to be prepared for all types of emergencies and I am 100 percent confident in the University of Kentucky and the services they provide," said Mark F. Cassis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Kentucky Speedway.

In its partnership with Kentucky Speedway, UK will have medical provider exclusivity at the track and will be featured on trackside billboard signage, and signage outside of the Infield Medical and Fan Care centers. As a corporate partner, the University will also be provided with media and advertising benefits at the speedway.

"UK Hospital Emergency/Trauma Services is proud to once again partner with Kentucky Speedway. The staff and facilities at Kentucky Speedway are very professional. After a successful first year at Kentucky Speedway, we look to build upon our relationship with the Fire and Safety Team and continue to provide the best in emergency care. We feel our partnership provides an excellent opportunity for UK Hospital Emergency/Trauma Services to participate in this exciting addition to the Kentucky sporting community. We appreciate the trust and confidence expressed by the Kentucky Speedway management and ownership, and look forward to a long lasting relationship," said Paul Ferrell, Business Manager, UK Hospital Emergency/Trauma Services.

In 2000, Kentucky Speedway attracted national attention by drawing the largest stand-alone crowds for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Gatorade All-Pro Series and ARCA/Re-Max Series events. More than 300,000 fans went through the turnstiles during the track's inaugural season and more than 600,000 are expected for 2001.

Kentucky Speedway hosts four exciting race weekends in 2001 starting in May. The NASCAR Busch Series, the nation's second richest and most popular stock car racing series, debuts at Kentucky Speedway June 16 with "The Outback Steakhouse 300." The Indy Racing Northern Light Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA/Re-Max Series and the NASCAR Gatorade All-Pro Series will return for the 2001 season.